In-situ characterization of a novel metal joining technology
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutionen för Maskinteknologi Industriell Produktion |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 496 000 |
| Project duration | November 2018 - March 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration: Industrial pilot projects for neutron and photon experiments at large scale research infrastructures - 2018 |
| End-of-project report | 2018-04404_AlfaLaval.pdf (pdf, 927 kB) |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project was to evaluate how synchrotron light can be used to study brazing of heat exchangers in stainless steel. MAX-IV laboratory´s beamlines NanoMAX, Balder and MAXPEEM have been used. Both the chemical composition of braze joints and the chromium oxide on stainless steel and how the oxide is affected by various alloying elements in the base material and heating have been studied. Understanding the chemistry and the thermal response of the chromium oxide is important for the final performance of the heat exchanger.
Expected results and effects
The experiments have generated insights into the braze joints and the oxide chemistry. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the thermal stability of the oxide has been achieved through the MAXPEEM in-situ experiments. A deeper analysis of the collected data will continue, but already today the experiments have generated ideas for more efficient production of heat exchangers. Long-term effects are expected in the form of both improved performance of heat exchangers and that synchrotron light can be used by Alfa Laval as a new path to innovation and increased competitiveness.
Planned approach and implementation
The aim of the project was to create a good relationship between Alfa Laval and the department of industrial production technology, which has good contacts with the Max IV laboratory. During the project, the department of synchrotron light radiation was also involved. First, a basic study was performed with traditional characterization equipment at Lund University such as SEM, EDX, EBSD and XRD. This basic understanding allowed the project members to design and execute the more complex synchrotron light experiments with greater confidence and success.